"I am a passionate fan and season-ticket holder of the Washington professional football franchise. In more than 31 / 2 years as a columnist, I have not opined publicly on whether the team should drop the name ‘Redskins’ on grounds that it offends Native Americans.

It’s time to take a stand. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian is holding its first symposium on the topic Thursday. A new version of an old lawsuit challenging the trademark has a court hearing in March. D.C. Mayor Vince Gray (D) recently suggested the team would have to change its name if it ever wished to resume playing games in the city.

What do I think? Drumroll, please. . . .

Of course the team should change the name. Duh. It’s the worst racial slur used as a team name in American sports. Dictionaries have labeled the word as “often offensive” at least since the 1970s."

Get the Story:
Robert McCartney: Drop ‘Redskins’ name? Time to take a stand. (The Washington Post 2/7)

Related Stories:
Blog: Mayor of Washington DC refuses to use 'Redskins' name (2/6)
Agenda for symposium on Indian mascots in sports at NMAI (2/4)
Washington mayor supports elimination of 'Redskins' mascot (01/10)
Rep. Cole, Chickasaw, calls Redskins mascot 'very offensive' (01/18)